RS: Smart Search Bar & Filter vs Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)for Shopify (2026)
RS: Smart Search Bar & Filter and Skio Subscriptions (YC S20) cater to vastly different needs, despite sharing the 'Upsell and Cross-sell' category on Shopify. RS focuses on improving product discoverability and conversion rates through AI-powered search and filtering capabilities. It targets merchants with large catalogs (scales to 1M+ products) seeking to optimize their on-site search experience and guide customers to the right products quickly. Its key selling points are speed, customizability, and integration without theme breakage. Skio, on the other hand, is a subscription management platform designed to enhance customer lifetime value (LTV) and reduce churn. It is aimed at brands already offering or planning to offer subscription-based products or services. Skio positions itself as a more advanced and effective solution compared to other subscription platforms, emphasizing a focus on continuous feature development and customer retention strategies. The platform boasts a no-code customer portal, build-a-box functionality, and automated customer journey tools, making it attractive for merchants wanting to optimize the subscription experience. While both apps can contribute to increased sales (upsell, cross-sell), RS: Smart Search Bar & Filter does so by streamlining product discovery, while Skio does so by enhancing customer retention and subscription management.
At a Glance
RS: Smart Search Bar & Filter
310 reviews
Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)
219 reviews
Detailed Overview
RS: Smart Search Bar & Filter
Replace the search icon with an AI Search Bar, add Product & Collection Filters to improve discovery
Key Features
- AI Search Bar: show typo-tolerant, predictive instant search results instantly
- Always-Visible Search Bar: Replace the search icon to boost engagement & sales
- Custom product filters & collection filters: tag filter, metafield, variant, etc
- Product merchandising: pin, boost, demote, or hide to spotlight bestsellers
- Scales to 1M+ products: blazing fast, no slowdown, works with any theme
Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)
The subscription platform top brands graduate to.
Key Features
- No-code customer portal - Beautiful UX that cuts support tickets in half
- Build-a-Box - Let subscribers customize bundles (static/dynamic/sectioned)
- Multi-step cancel flows - Turn cancellations into pauses, swaps, and saves
- Automated journeys - Welcome flows, win-backs, and upsells on autopilot
- Seamless migration - We move your subscribers without losing data or sleep
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 5/5 |
Rating RS: Smart Search Bar & Filter4.8/5 Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 310 | 219 |
Reviews RS: Smart Search Bar & Filter310 Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)219 | ||
| Core Functionality | AI Search & Filtering | Subscription Management |
Core Functionality RS: Smart Search Bar & FilterAI Search & Filtering Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)Subscription Management | ||
| Target Merchant | Merchants with large catalogs needing better search | Subscription-based businesses seeking to reduce churn and increase LTV |
Target Merchant RS: Smart Search Bar & FilterMerchants with large catalogs needing better search Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)Subscription-based businesses seeking to reduce churn and increase LTV | ||
| Key Feature 1 | AI Search Bar | No-code Customer Portal |
Key Feature 1 RS: Smart Search Bar & FilterAI Search Bar Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)No-code Customer Portal | ||
| Key Feature 2 | Custom Product Filters | Build-a-Box Functionality |
Key Feature 2 RS: Smart Search Bar & FilterCustom Product Filters Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)Build-a-Box Functionality | ||
| Value Proposition | Improved product discovery, faster search, higher conversion rates | Increased LTV, reduced churn, seamless subscription management |
Value Proposition RS: Smart Search Bar & FilterImproved product discovery, faster search, higher conversion rates Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)Increased LTV, reduced churn, seamless subscription management | ||
| Scalability Focus | Handles large catalogs (1M+ products) without slowdown. | Scalable subscription management for growing brands. |
Scalability Focus RS: Smart Search Bar & FilterHandles large catalogs (1M+ products) without slowdown. Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)Scalable subscription management for growing brands. | ||
Our Verdict
If you're struggling with product discoverability due to a large catalog and want to improve conversion rates through better search and filtering, RS: Smart Search Bar & Filter is the clear choice. Its focus on AI-powered search, customizability, and speed makes it ideal for optimizing the customer's on-site experience.
However, if your primary business model revolves around subscriptions, Skio Subscriptions is the superior option. Its features like the no-code customer portal, build-a-box functionality, and automated journeys are specifically designed to enhance the subscription experience, reduce churn, and increase customer lifetime value. It's the preferred platform for businesses prioritizing subscription management and customer retention.
Common Questions
Which app is better for stores with a large number of products?
RS: Smart Search Bar & Filter is designed to scale to 1M+ products, making it more suitable for large catalogs. Skio focuses on subscription management, regardless of catalog size.
Can RS: Smart Search Bar & Filter help with upsells and cross-sells?
Yes, by improving product discoverability, it can drive customers to relevant products, thus facilitating upsells and cross-sells.
Does Skio Subscriptions offer a free trial?
The provided data doesn't mention a free trial for Skio. You would need to check their Shopify App Store listing directly for up-to-date trial information.
Which app is easier to integrate with an existing Shopify theme?
RS: Smart Search Bar & Filter claims to integrate without breaking your theme, suggesting a smoother integration process.
If I don't have a subscription business, is Skio Subscriptions relevant for me?
No. Skio Subscriptions is specifically for businesses that offer recurring subscriptions to their products or services.
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